Lochmara

LOCHMARA – Come and visit us so you can understand why Lochmara is such a popular destination for all guests, whether solo, couples, or families!

Lochmara is a 20-minute cruise from Picton and nestled in the heart of the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sounds, offering an unforgettable  New Zealand experience. On your cruise you will witness stunning scenery and potential sightings of dolphins, seals, native seabirds, and  maybe even the New Zealand Little Blue Penguin.

On arrival at Lochmara, you will be greeted and checked in if staying with us or set off to explore if here for the day trip. You can choose to do a guided tour of the Underwater Observatory (charges apply). Here you will experience the seaside touch tank, containing an array of New  Zealand’s smaller marine sea creatures, before being taken inside the stationary Underwater Observatory, one of only two in New Zealand.

Please note what you see will depend on the time of year and the presence of predators. You can also explore our 11 acres of stunning landscapes and farmland and get up-close and personal with wildlife in its natural habitat. Kākāriki parakeet, pigs, Arapawa goats, sheep, eels, geckos and occasionally Tuatara are here too – just to name a few.

Walk the art and nature trails or explore our ocean life by heading out on the paddle boards and kayaks in the bay. Our onsite café enables  you to enjoy unique cocktails, locally brewed beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages. Delight in the taste of our cuisine. Simple, rustic, and  full of flavour, using ingredients that truly give our guests a taste of the Marlborough Sounds.

While there is truly something for everyone at Lochmara, you can simply do as much or as little as you like when you visit, including just sitting back and relaxing with a good book to soak in the serenity if you prefer.